Soul music is filled with theatrics — think of James Brown, collapsing on stage, being covered with a cape and walked offstage, then dramatically turning and running back to the microphone.

Chicago soul-punk crew JC Brooks and the Uptown Sound’s connection to the theater is quite literal. Singer Brooks is an actor while guitarist and songwriter Billy Bungeroth is a director with the famed Second City improvisational comedy troupe.

Brooks and Bungeroth are spending less time in theaters these days and more in the clubs, along with band mates Kevin Marks (drums) and Ben Taylor (bass).

“The tour is kind of never-ending now,” Bungeroth says, adding that the band just completed West Coast and Midwest jaunts with a Southern leg up next. On Saturday, they’ll perform at WMNF’s Tropical Heatwave festival in Ybor City. Look for them at 11:30 p.m. at the Ritz Ybor.

For more of Curtis Ross' interview with Billy Bungeroth, click here.

Photo: Paul Natkin